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Change here, looking for guidance and support


Change

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Hey folks, I'm looking for help in getting rid of one or both my AD prescriptions as well as the I-know-it's-bad over drinking.

I think I need to ramp down drinking first because I REALLY don't want to continue like this, but I'm worried about the side effects that I've had already.

Effexor 125X3
Wellbutrin 150
wine 1.5 litres/day

Edited by scallywag
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2002-04 Post-partum depression:  Effexor at 125 mg/day. Tapered off in 2 months, symptoms manageable.
Frequent social drinking, 10-20 drinks a week.
2007 depression again. Effexor at 125/day.
By 2013 Effexor dosage 3x125 daily.
2014: unable to concentrate to work >10h/week, GP added Wellbutrin 150mg/day.
Sept 2014-Jan 2016: Monthly new major massive anxiety stressors. Drinking wine now 1.5+ litres/day. Still 375/day Effexor, 125/day Wellbutrin.
May 2016: Continuing 1.5+ l/day wine. GP changes me to 300 Wellbutrin and 250mg/day Effexor, with no taper.
July 2016: Bad withdrawal when I cut back wine to 375 ml/day for 2 days.  Anxiety, muscle spasms, tremor.
           I finally convinced GP to refer me to drinking program.
Sep 2016: Ongoing anxiety and muscle spasms. Back (no taper) to 375/day Effexor, 125/day WellbutrinTapering alcohol
Nov 2016:  Muscle spasms still disruptive day&night. Now avg 750ml/day wine.  375/day Effexor, 125/day Wellbutrin.
Dec 4, 2016: I want off the Wellbutrin and to keep reducing alcohol.  Not sure how to proceed.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Change -- Welcome to Surviving Antidepressants (SA)

 

Congratulations on looking for information about decreasing dose of these medications before starting to do it.  You've probably saved yourself a difficult withdrawal experience.

 

Thank you for being candid about drinking wine daily. Because alcohol acts on the CNS (central nervous system) it's important to factor it in to tapering plans. Craving alcohol and increased consumption of it is an acknowledged adverse effect ("side" effect) of SSRI medication. That may be at play in your situation.

 

When a someone is taking multiple medications, we ask that that you post an interactions report. Follow the link below to get your report. Just select the text, copy it and paste it in a post here. Please include ethanol in your list to look for interaction effects of the medications with alcohol.
Drugs-dot-com Drugs Interactions Checker.

A request: Would you summarize your history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-18 months particularly?

  • Please use actual dates or approximate dates (mid-June, Late October) rather than relative time frames (last week, 3 months ago)
  • Any drugs prior to 18 months ago can just be listed with start and stop years.
  • You don't need to include symptoms or diagnoses other than the initial condition that led to prescribing the first drug.
  • We ask for this information in your signature so that we can see it at a glance. A list is easier to understand than one or multiple paragraphs.
  • You can find instructions in this topic: Please put your withdrawal history in signature
  • If you are using a phone or mobile device, you need to switch to the "full" or desktop version of the site. Instructions are in Post 8 and Post 9

As a place to start on the information download coming your way in the form of links to read, please look at the posts at this link:

Before you begin tapering -- what you need to know

 

We suggest that people taper medications one at a time by no more than 10% per month. Here's some food for thought about where to start:

Taking multiple drugs? Which to taper first.

 

I hope you'll find the information in the SA forums helpful for your situation. I'm sorry that you are in the position that you need the information, but am glad that you found us.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

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Hi Scally, nice to hav such a quick reply. Actually I initially typed in a super detailed dosage and drama account when I registered but it rejected me 3 or 4 times because it was too long. Hence, I went with the short form on my hello post. I'll look at a couple other posts to see how much detail & angst is appropriate. I tend to extremes on both, so.. Cautious...

2002-04 Post-partum depression:  Effexor at 125 mg/day. Tapered off in 2 months, symptoms manageable.
Frequent social drinking, 10-20 drinks a week.
2007 depression again. Effexor at 125/day.
By 2013 Effexor dosage 3x125 daily.
2014: unable to concentrate to work >10h/week, GP added Wellbutrin 150mg/day.
Sept 2014-Jan 2016: Monthly new major massive anxiety stressors. Drinking wine now 1.5+ litres/day. Still 375/day Effexor, 125/day Wellbutrin.
May 2016: Continuing 1.5+ l/day wine. GP changes me to 300 Wellbutrin and 250mg/day Effexor, with no taper.
July 2016: Bad withdrawal when I cut back wine to 375 ml/day for 2 days.  Anxiety, muscle spasms, tremor.
           I finally convinced GP to refer me to drinking program.
Sep 2016: Ongoing anxiety and muscle spasms. Back (no taper) to 375/day Effexor, 125/day WellbutrinTapering alcohol
Nov 2016:  Muscle spasms still disruptive day&night. Now avg 750ml/day wine.  375/day Effexor, 125/day Wellbutrin.
Dec 4, 2016: I want off the Wellbutrin and to keep reducing alcohol.  Not sure how to proceed.

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Looks like I need my computer in order to format my summary info for interactions, my signature, etc. I'll try hard to do that today, because I'm part-way into a CT for the Wellbutrin xr 150, because its side effects at full strength are worrying me more and more.

 

My gp clearly is not a believer in any taper- she said every other day for a week, then done. She had similar simultaneous advice for cutting back drinking, so this place seems to be my only hope for information.

2002-04 Post-partum depression:  Effexor at 125 mg/day. Tapered off in 2 months, symptoms manageable.
Frequent social drinking, 10-20 drinks a week.
2007 depression again. Effexor at 125/day.
By 2013 Effexor dosage 3x125 daily.
2014: unable to concentrate to work >10h/week, GP added Wellbutrin 150mg/day.
Sept 2014-Jan 2016: Monthly new major massive anxiety stressors. Drinking wine now 1.5+ litres/day. Still 375/day Effexor, 125/day Wellbutrin.
May 2016: Continuing 1.5+ l/day wine. GP changes me to 300 Wellbutrin and 250mg/day Effexor, with no taper.
July 2016: Bad withdrawal when I cut back wine to 375 ml/day for 2 days.  Anxiety, muscle spasms, tremor.
           I finally convinced GP to refer me to drinking program.
Sep 2016: Ongoing anxiety and muscle spasms. Back (no taper) to 375/day Effexor, 125/day WellbutrinTapering alcohol
Nov 2016:  Muscle spasms still disruptive day&night. Now avg 750ml/day wine.  375/day Effexor, 125/day Wellbutrin.
Dec 4, 2016: I want off the Wellbutrin and to keep reducing alcohol.  Not sure how to proceed.

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I've created a dosage summary in my signature.  Can anyone advise which things to reduce by how much, and how fast?  Here's the info:

 

2002-04 Post-partum depression:  Effexor at 125 mg/day. Tapered off in 2 months, symptoms manageable.
Frequent social drinking, 10-20 drinks a week.
2007 depression again. Effexor at 125/day.
By 2013 Effexor dosage 3x125 daily.
2014: unable to concentrate to work >10h/week, GP added Wellbutrin 150mg/day.
Sept 2015-Jan 2016: Monthly new major massive anxiety stressors. Drinking wine now 1.5+ litres/day. Still 375/day Effexor, 125/day Wellbutrin.
May 2016: Continuing 1.5+ l/day wine. GP changes me to 300 Wellbutrin and 250mg/day Effexor, with no taper.
July 2016: Bad withdrawal when I cut back wine to 375 ml/day for 2 days.  Anxiety, muscle spasms, tremor.
           I finally convinced GP to refer me to drinking program.
Sep 2016: Ongoing anxiety and muscle spasms. Back (no taper) to 375/day Effexor, 125/day WellbutrinTapering alcohol
Nov 2016:  Muscle spasms still disruptive day&night. Now avg 750ml/day wine.  375/day Effexor, 125/day Wellbutrin.
Dec 4, 2016: I want off the Wellbutrin and to keep reducing alcohol.  Not sure how to proceed.

2002-04 Post-partum depression:  Effexor at 125 mg/day. Tapered off in 2 months, symptoms manageable.
Frequent social drinking, 10-20 drinks a week.
2007 depression again. Effexor at 125/day.
By 2013 Effexor dosage 3x125 daily.
2014: unable to concentrate to work >10h/week, GP added Wellbutrin 150mg/day.
Sept 2014-Jan 2016: Monthly new major massive anxiety stressors. Drinking wine now 1.5+ litres/day. Still 375/day Effexor, 125/day Wellbutrin.
May 2016: Continuing 1.5+ l/day wine. GP changes me to 300 Wellbutrin and 250mg/day Effexor, with no taper.
July 2016: Bad withdrawal when I cut back wine to 375 ml/day for 2 days.  Anxiety, muscle spasms, tremor.
           I finally convinced GP to refer me to drinking program.
Sep 2016: Ongoing anxiety and muscle spasms. Back (no taper) to 375/day Effexor, 125/day WellbutrinTapering alcohol
Nov 2016:  Muscle spasms still disruptive day&night. Now avg 750ml/day wine.  375/day Effexor, 125/day Wellbutrin.
Dec 4, 2016: I want off the Wellbutrin and to keep reducing alcohol.  Not sure how to proceed.

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Also it's the attachment

 

Drug Interaction Report

 

Drug interactions for the following 3 drug(s):
 

  • ethanol
  • Effexor (venlafaxine)
  • Wellbutrin XL (bupropion)

Interactions between your selected drugs
Major
bupropion  - venlafaxine

Applies to: Wellbutrin XL (bupropion), Effexor (venlafaxine)

 

BuPROPion may rarely cause seizures, and combining it with other medications that can also cause seizures such as venlafaxine may increase that risk. The interaction may be more likely if you are elderly, undergoing alcohol or drug withdrawal, have a history of seizures, or have a condition affecting the central nervous system such as a brain tumor or head trauma. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

 

Moderate
bupropion ethanol

Applies to: Wellbutrin XL (bupropion), ethanol

Using buPROPion with alcohol may increase the risk of uncommon side effects such as seizures, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, mood and behavioral changes, depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and panic attacks. On the other hand, sudden withdrawal from alcohol following regular or chronic use can also increase your risk of seizures during treatment with buPROPion. If you are prone to frequent or excessive alcohol use, talk to your doctor before starting buPROPion. In general, you should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with buPROPion. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the

Moderate
ethanol venlafaxine

Applies to: ethanol, Effexor (venlafaxine)

Using venlafaxine together with ethanol may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with venlafaxine. Do not use more than the recommended dose of venlafaxine, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

No other interactions were found between your selected drugs. Note: this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

2016-12 consumer interaction.pdf

2002-04 Post-partum depression:  Effexor at 125 mg/day. Tapered off in 2 months, symptoms manageable.
Frequent social drinking, 10-20 drinks a week.
2007 depression again. Effexor at 125/day.
By 2013 Effexor dosage 3x125 daily.
2014: unable to concentrate to work >10h/week, GP added Wellbutrin 150mg/day.
Sept 2014-Jan 2016: Monthly new major massive anxiety stressors. Drinking wine now 1.5+ litres/day. Still 375/day Effexor, 125/day Wellbutrin.
May 2016: Continuing 1.5+ l/day wine. GP changes me to 300 Wellbutrin and 250mg/day Effexor, with no taper.
July 2016: Bad withdrawal when I cut back wine to 375 ml/day for 2 days.  Anxiety, muscle spasms, tremor.
           I finally convinced GP to refer me to drinking program.
Sep 2016: Ongoing anxiety and muscle spasms. Back (no taper) to 375/day Effexor, 125/day WellbutrinTapering alcohol
Nov 2016:  Muscle spasms still disruptive day&night. Now avg 750ml/day wine.  375/day Effexor, 125/day Wellbutrin.
Dec 4, 2016: I want off the Wellbutrin and to keep reducing alcohol.  Not sure how to proceed.

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 I've been having bad muscle-spasm effects, I believe from Wellbutrin, since July 2016.  I've decided that Wellbutrin is not helpful for my anxiety either, and my GP says go ahead to eliminate it.  She is a non-believer when it comes to tapering and side-effects. 

 

Trouble is, I'm also backing down from extremely problematic drinking (from 10+ drinks daily) and I'm currently at about 5 drinks day, plus-minus.

 

Her advice on Dec 8, 2016, was a week of alternating days Wellbutrin followed by zero, and one alcohol-free day per week in week one, then 2 zero days in week two, etc.

 

I'm afraid of having a seizure. How do I get rid of the Wellbutrin safely?

 

Help?!

 

 

2002-04 Post-partum depression:  Effexor at 125 mg/day. Tapered off in 2 months, symptoms manageable.
Frequent social drinking, 10-20 drinks a week.
2007 depression again. Effexor at 125/day.
By 2013 Effexor dosage 3x125 daily.
2014: unable to concentrate to work >10h/week, GP added Wellbutrin 150mg/day.
Sept 2014-Jan 2016: Monthly new major massive anxiety stressors. Drinking wine now 1.5+ litres/day. Still 375/day Effexor, 125/day Wellbutrin.
May 2016: Continuing 1.5+ l/day wine. GP changes me to 300 Wellbutrin and 250mg/day Effexor, with no taper.
July 2016: Bad withdrawal when I cut back wine to 375 ml/day for 2 days.  Anxiety, muscle spasms, tremor.
           I finally convinced GP to refer me to drinking program.
Sep 2016: Ongoing anxiety and muscle spasms. Back (no taper) to 375/day Effexor, 125/day WellbutrinTapering alcohol
Nov 2016:  Muscle spasms still disruptive day&night. Now avg 750ml/day wine.  375/day Effexor, 125/day Wellbutrin.
Dec 4, 2016: I want off the Wellbutrin and to keep reducing alcohol.  Not sure how to proceed.

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Hello Change

 

Gosh you're going through a lot eh! I just want to offer you some support.

 

In the past l've struggled with problematic drinking too. For me the worst bit was breaking the habit of drinking everyday. I did do it. That was 13 years ago. Now l can pretty take or leave alcohol.

 

How are you doing with that at the moment Change?

 

Sending warm wishes you way. ☺

 

hopeful

Quit quitiapine on 2nd December 2016. Dosage 150mg.Been on it since April/May 2015.Take 30mg of amytriptaline as a neuropathic.

Previous meds 1995-2015 - moclobimide ,trazadone, paroxatine,fluoxetine,sertraline,citrilopram,mirtizapine,dothiepin,doxipin ,venlavaxine and buproprion.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

If you'd like to start with Wellbutrin, here's our topic on tapering that:

Tips for tapering off Wellbutrin XR, SR, XL (bupropion)

 

The first post is long and contains a lot of content. There is a section within the post that focuses on Wellbutrin XR & XL.

 

If you have any questions, please post them here in your introduction so that all your information is in one place.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.
1997-1999 Effexor; 2002-2005 Effexor XR 37.5 mg linear taper, dropping same #beads/week with bad results

Cymbalta 60 mg 2012 - 2015; 2016: 20 mg to 7 mg exact doses and dates in this post; 2017: 6.3 mg to  0.0 mg  Aug. 12; details here


scallywag's Introduction
Online spreadsheet for dose taper calculations and nz11's THE WORKS spreadsheet

Link to comment

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